Dole Q2 revenue rises 2.9%, but higher costs drag Adjusted EBITDA down 14.8%; port sale closes
DOLE is trading near its 52-week low of $12.52 (7.8% above the low).
Summary
Dole plc posted Q2 2026 revenue of $2.5 billion, a 2.9% year-over-year increase, but Adjusted EBITDA dropped 14.8% to $116.8 million on higher costs and a legal settlement. The sale of its Ecuadorian port business closed, with expected net proceeds of ~$95 million.
Key Events · Earnings and Guidance · DOLE
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Revenue Up, Earnings Mixed
Revenue in Q2 2026 rose 2.9% to $2.50 billion, while net income attributable to Dole plc reached $26.0 million, up from $10.0 million in Q2 2025—a period that included a $35 million loss from discontinued operations. Adjusted EBITDA, however, declined 14.8% to $116.8 million.
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Cost Pressures Hit Fresh Fruit
Adjusted EBITDA for the Fresh Fruit segment fell 30.9% to $50.3 million, reflecting higher fruit sourcing costs, elevated shipping expenses tied to fuel prices, adverse weather that reduced pineapple supply, and a stronger Costa Rican Colón.
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Legal Settlement and Restructuring Costs
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses increased 19.4% to $148.4 million, including a non-recurring charge for the settlement of a historical legal matter and restructuring costs.
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Port Sale Completed
The Port Sale Transaction closed on July 1, 2026, with gross proceeds of ~$180 million and expected net proceeds of ~$95 million after the Pre-Closing Ownership Restructuring and transaction costs.
Analysis · DOLE · Industrial Applications And Services
Dole's second-quarter 2026 results paint a mixed picture. Revenue grew 2.9% to $2.5 billion, yet Adjusted EBITDA fell 14.8% to $116.8 million, squeezed by higher fruit sourcing and shipping costs, adverse weather, and a one-time legal settlement charge. The Fresh Fruit segment bore the brunt, with Adjusted EBITDA tumbling 30.9%. On the brighter side, the Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW segment delivered robust growth, and the company completed the Port Sale Transaction, which is expected to generate net proceeds of about $95 million. The quarter also featured continued share buybacks and a steady dividend, but the earnings miss and persistent cost headwinds are likely to pressure the stock.
At the time of this filing, DOLE was trading at $13.50 on NYSE in the Industrial Applications And Services sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.3B. The 52-week trading range was $12.52 to $16.57. This filing was assessed with negative market sentiment and an importance score of 7 out of 10.